Chicago

Best time to visit Chicago

The best time to visit Chicago is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and a variety of events and activities to enjoy.

Spring (April to June) is a fantastic time to explore the city. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 24°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. During this period, you can enjoy events like the Chicago Flower & Garden Show and the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The city's parks and gardens come to life with blooming flowers, providing a beautiful backdrop for sightseeing and leisurely strolls.

Autumn (September to early November) is another excellent time to visit Chicago. The temperatures are comfortable, ranging between 10°C and 21°C, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. Fall also brings a variety of events, such as the Chicago International Film Festival, Oktoberfest, and Halloween celebrations. The city's parks and streets are adorned with stunning fall foliage, perfect for scenic walks and photography.

Both spring and autumn provide an excellent balance of enjoyable weather and engaging activities without the extreme temperatures of summer and winter, making them the best times to visit Chicago.

Discover Chicago

Spend the day browsing the diverse galleries of world-class museums, shopping in Chicago’s trendy retail districts and discovering unique attractions.. Take in the magnificent skyline, beaches, and water from one of the towering skyscrapers that are also observation decks – either 360 Chicago or Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower or on the spectacular Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Go for a waterfront stroll or bike ride on the 18-mile Lake Front Trail, or enjoy a cruise or kayak along the beautiful Chicago River, which turns an emerald green on St Patrick’s day. In the evening, dine at a delicious award-winning restaurant, cheer a performance by a cutting-edge theatre company and listen to live music in venues that keep Chicago jumping seven nights a week.

Whether you come for a longer tour of Illinois or indulge in a Chicago city break, the windy city guarantees to blow you away.

Things to do in Chicago

Navy Pier
Explore the carnival-like atmosphere of Chicago’s legendary pier. If the giant Ferris wheel doesn’t tip you off to the amount of fun that awaits you here, then the stroll along the half-mile promenade will. That’s where you’ll find amusement rides, al fresco dining, live music and more—all set against Chicago’s magnificent skyline. Indoor attractions include everything from Shakespearean theatre to the Chicago Children’s Museum and the new Flyover Chicago, an exhilarating immersive flight over the city And if you fancy a cruise on Lake Michigan, docked boats are ready to oblige.

The Magnificent Mile Shopping
You'll find world-class shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment throughout the Magnificent Mile area. With over 450 retailers offering renowned boutiques, local acclaimed designers, and well-known brands, Chicago's Magnificent Mile area is a shopper's paradise. After you've shopped 'til you dropped, dine at one of the excellent restaurants, admire Chicago's celebrated skyline from 360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory), or catch a show at an area theatre.

Step into a Skyline
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk on air, then wonder no more! High up the Willis Tower you’ll find The Ledge, a glass balcony jutting out from America’s third tallest building where you can gaze out on endless views and stare 1,353 feet straight down to the street below. If you want to take it one step further, TILT at 360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock Observatory) is an incredible attraction that will forever change the way visitors see Chicago. TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile. TILT gives thrill-seekers an exciting and safe way to take in unsurpassable views of the city, from a never-before-seen angle.

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Things to do in Chicago

Birthplace of the Skyscraper
Chicago is known worldwide for its outstanding architecture and there are over 85 tours organised by the Chicago Architecture Centre to see the highlights. The river cruise is one of the most popular tours: cruise along the Chicago River (the only river in the world that flows backwards) and you’ll pass more than 50 architectural gems including the wedding cake-like Wrigley Building, gothic Tribune Tower, and massive Merchandise Mart. There are many other tours available by foot, bus, and bike.

A Day in the Park
Proudly referred to as Chicago's "Front yard," Grant Park is a public park of 319 acres, located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area. Grant Park’s most notable feature is Buckingham Fountain which is the starting point for Route 66. In the heart of the city, you’ll find Millennium Park, a state-of-the-art park. Discover the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as ‘The Bean’, the multimedia Crown Fountain and the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, all with Chicago’s stunning architecture as a backdrop. The park is also host to many free cultural programs, concerts, and family activities. Plus, there's alfresco dining in the summer and an ice-skating rink in the winter.

Top tips for Chicago holidays

• Exploring the city
  One of the best ways to explore the city’s landmarks is with the Chicago Architecture Centre which offers more than 85 tours via bus, boat, bike, train,or on foot. One of the most popular tours is the Architecture River Cruise which highlights more than 50 architectural gems along the Chicago River.

• Work up an appetite
  With a long list of celebrity chefs and award-winning restaurants, food is nearly as hotly contested as sports in Chicago. Eating a slice of a famous Chicago pizza is a must, with pizzerias including Giordano’s and Buongiorno’s some of the hot spots, but so are the innovative restaurants that are turning out the creative cuisine for which Chicago has become known. With 22 Michelin starred restaurants, there is a great choice in the fine dining scene. If you’re dining on a budget, the Bib Gourmand recognises restaurants that are great value as well as great tasting.
  
• Relax at the Beach
  Chicago’s 26 miles of lakefront and beaches are free and open to residents and visitors alike. In fact, they were foremost in Daniel Burham’s plan to make Chicago’s lakefront and beaches always open and unobstructed for the public to enjoy. And to this day, you can see that his vision is still alive and well, from the joggers and volleyball players to the swimmers and sail boaters who take to the lakefront every day.

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Top tips for Chicago holidays

• Sports fans
  Chicago is a major sports city! In the spring and summer, Chicago’s two Major League Baseball teams play on opposite sides of the city. Hear the crack of the baseball bat as the Chicago Cubs play at historic Wrigley Field or watch the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. In autumn, watch the Chicago Bears play American football in Soldier Field. Winter is the time to experience the nonstop thrills of Chicago Bulls basketball and Chicago Blackhawks hockey, both played at the United Center.
  
• Top music festivals in Grant Park
  The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago’s Music Festivals. You can catch this free event during the month of June. If you are a jazz lover, head down to the Chicago Jazz Festival which takes place in late August. This free event regularly draws top names from the jazz world. If you are into alternative, hip hop and pop then Lollapalooza Festival is for you. With more than 170 acts from music legends across the globe, this is an extraordinary 4-day event is held in August.